§ The Duke of Richmond, 876 in moving the second reading of this Bill, said, that it was merely a Bill to continue an existing Bill which expired at the close of the present Session, for staying proceedings in certain qui tam actions for penalties. The Committee which had been appointed upon this subject had not led to any settlement of the whole question during the present Session, and this was the ground upon which the protection afforded to certain defendants was sought to be extended.
Lord Campbellsaid, that he should not oppose the second reading of this Bill; but he thought it right to state, that he had been requested by certain parties interested in these actions, to present a petition, praying that they might be heard by counsel at the Bar against the Bill. That petition he had not yet received; but he begged to give notice, that if he did receive it before the remaining stages of the Bill were gone through, he should certainly present it, and make a Motion in conformity with its prayer.
§ The Duke of Richmondsaid he had no objection to the parties being heard by one counsel, or two if they pleased; but he only put it to the House whether there existed any precedent for hearing a party against a Bill which did not destroy a right of action, but merely suspended it?
§ After a few words from the Lord Chancellor and the Duke of Richmond,
§ Bill read a second Time.